Reef Safe Sunscreens

Oxybenzone, also known as Benzophenone-3, has been shown to cause coral bleaching even at low concentrations. When this chemical is introduced into the marine environment, it can disrupt coral reproduction, cause coral bleaching, and damage the DNA of corals, ultimately leading to their death. Oxybenzone is also harmful to other marine organisms like algae, fish, and marine mammals.

Octinoxate, also known as Octyl methoxycinnamate, is another common sunscreen ingredient that poses a threat to coral reefs. Like oxybenzone, octinoxate has been linked to coral bleaching and can disrupt the development and reproduction of various marine species. It can cause damage to the coral's DNA and negatively impact the resilience of coral reefs to climate change.

When you swim in the ocean with sunscreen on, some of it inevitably washes off your skin and enters the water. Chemical sunscreens, particularly those containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, are oil-soluble, meaning they don't dissolve in water. Instead, they can accumulate in the ocean and build up over time. These chemicals can have devastating effects on coral reefs.

Oxybenzone and octinoxate can cause coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel the colorful algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues, turning the corals white. This happens because these chemicals disrupt the symbiotic relationship between the coral and the algae, which is crucial for the coral's survival. The algae provide the coral with essential nutrients through photosynthesis, and without them, the coral can starve. Additionally, oxybenzone and octinoxate can damage the DNA of corals, impair their reproduction and development, and weaken their resilience to stressors like climate change. This can lead to the death of coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems that support a vast array of marine life and protect coastlines from erosion and storms.